Application of Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry to Biological Samples

Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectrometry involves the classification and quantification of several kinds of biological samples. Multiple applications of WD-XRF spectrometry are anticipated in the mining industries, nuclear power industry, medical diagnostics, forensics, environmental, and particularly in agricultural studies. Here, we present a concise review of the quantitative measurements performed to classify and quantify the traces of essential and toxic minerals in wheat seed gall nematodes (Anguina tritici), cyperus rotundus rhizomes, gallstones, and kidney stones. Based on the studies reported, WD-XRF was found to be a robust analytical tool that is useful for agricultural studies and for the diagnosis of urological and gastroenterological disorders. This review is aimed at analyzing major and trace levels of heavy and toxic minerals in biological specimens related to agricultural crops (wheat grains and cyperus rotundus) and human diseases (gallstones and kidney stones) and shows some interesting prospects for using WD-XRF spectrometry.